COME TO JESUS
Does God really care? Is God on my side? Can I really know God? The answer is YES!
God created a wonderful, perfect world, but it no longer works as well as it was designed. Why? Because from the very first people right up to us, we’ve all chosen to live life our own way instead of God’s way–that’s called “sin” in the Bible. You may wonder why God gave people that option. The answer is because God desired a real, meaningful relationship with us; and in order for that to be the case, we had to be free to reject God–which we have, every one of us. By rejecting God and His guidance for our lives, each one of us has separated ourselves from God.
You see, God won’t force us to live a certain way against our will, but neither will He live in the presence of our sin. Once we made that first decision to move away from God, we also became powerless to return. But God loves each one of us too much to just see us live an eternal existence separated from him–that’s how the Bible describes “hell.” We can’t possibly pay for the damage we’ve inflicted on God’s honor by rebelling, but God’s justice is equaled by His love.
Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died on a cross. He was raised by God and is alive today. God paid the price Himself, allowing us to return to His presence without simply ignoring our sin. What’s so amazing is that we can’t “earn” our way back to God. Jesus has already done everything that is necessary, but God still doesn’t force Himself on us. We need only accept His priceless gift. When that happens, we are reconciled to God, we are assured of an eternity with God, and we are given power to live this life the way God intended.
You see, God won’t force us to live a certain way against our will, but neither will He live in the presence of our sin. Once we made that first decision to move away from God, we also became powerless to return. But God loves each one of us too much to just see us live an eternal existence separated from him–that’s how the Bible describes “hell.” We can’t possibly pay for the damage we’ve inflicted on God’s honor by rebelling, but God’s justice is equaled by His love.
Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died on a cross. He was raised by God and is alive today. God paid the price Himself, allowing us to return to His presence without simply ignoring our sin. What’s so amazing is that we can’t “earn” our way back to God. Jesus has already done everything that is necessary, but God still doesn’t force Himself on us. We need only accept His priceless gift. When that happens, we are reconciled to God, we are assured of an eternity with God, and we are given power to live this life the way God intended.
Are you ready to know God personally?
If so, then pray something like this:
"God, I confess that I have lived life my own way, contrary to your ways. I believe that your Son, Jesus, lived a perfect life, died for my sins, that you raised Him and He is alive today. I accept your gift of salvation through my faith in Jesus. I give up control of my life to you. I want Jesus to be my Savior and the Lord of my life. Amen.``
BE BAPTIZED
After accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, the next step is going public with your faith through believer's baptism. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision.
DOGWOOD JOURNEY
DOGWOOD JOURNEY is a series of classes uniquely designed to help you take your next steps with God. In these classes, you will discover what it means to BELONG to a church family, GROW in your discipleship through God's word, shape your unique gifts to SERVE, and get equipped to SHARE your personal Jesus story.
BELONG
At Dogwood, we don't want you to become a member of a church - we want you to BELONG to one. Join us for our 101 Belong class to learn more about Dogwood and how you belong to a growing. body of Christ followers.
GROW
Our 201 GROW class is designed for people wanting to know more about God's word and will teach you how to grow as a believer, and how to pray and live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
SERVE
The 301 SERVE class is one of the foundational classes in the Dogwood Journey. In this class, we will focus on what the Bible says about ministry. We will examine the Five Personal Traits that continue to shape the “real” you and how God uses the specific traits you possess for serving the way God has designed you.
SHARE
The 401 Share class is the last class in the Dogwood Journey. In this class, you will learn how to practically shape and share your Jesus story with others.